Indignant
/ɪnˈdɪɡnənt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Indignant describes a strong feeling of anger or upset that happens when someone thinks they or others are treated unfairly or wrongly. It often shows a sense of being offended or shocked by unfair actions or words.
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See It in Action
Feeling upset or angry because of unfair treatment
- •She was indignant when the teacher blamed her for something she didn’t do.
- •He gave an indignant reply after hearing the unfair accusation.
- •The workers were indignant about their low pay and poor conditions.
Showing strong feelings of unfairness or offense
- •His indignant tone made it clear he felt deeply wronged.
- •The audience became indignant when the referee made a bad call.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "indignant" like "angry," but it is a special kind of anger that comes from feeling unfairness or injustice.
- ✓Picture someone’s face when they hear an unfair rule or see someone treated badly—they look upset and shocked.
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when you see someone being treated unfairly and you want to say, “That’s not right!”
- ✓Sounds like "in-DIG-nant" → imagine someone digging (dig) deep inside their heart to find strong feelings of unfairness.
- ✓Think of stories where heroes stand up against unfair kings or bosses—they feel indignant because they want justice.
- ✓NOT like "angry" (which can be for many reasons)—indignant is specifically because of unfairness or wrong treatment.
- ✓NOT like "sad" (feeling unhappy)—indignant is more active, showing strong upset and sometimes ready to argue or protest.
Try Other Words
- •Outraged: very angry because of something unfair or shocking (Use when the feeling is much stronger and more extreme than indignant)
- •Offended: feeling hurt or upset because of something disrespectful (Use when the feeling is more about personal hurt than anger)
- •Annoyed: slightly angry or bothered (Use when the feeling is less serious or less about fairness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "in-" (in, on, or not) + root "dign" (from Latin "dignus," meaning worthy) + suffix "-ant" (adjective form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "indignari," meaning to regard as unworthy or to be angry at unfairness
- •Historical development: The word developed in English to describe feeling anger or upset because of unfair or unworthy treatment
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a feeling of moral anger or upset when someone experiences or sees unfairness
Reflect & Connect
•When have you felt indignant about something unfair in your life or in the news?
•How can feeling indignant help people stand up for what is right?
Fill in the blanks
1.She felt indignant ___ the false accusation because she knew she was innocent.
2.An indignant person usually reacts ___ when treated unfairly or insulted.
3.Unlike simple anger, indignant feelings come from a sense of ___ or injustice.
4.When he heard the unfair decision, he spoke in an indignant ___ that showed his strong feelings.
5.People often become indignant ___ unfair rules or unfair treatment at work or school.
6.Indignant reactions are different from annoyed ones because they involve a deeper feeling of ___.
7.After the unfair event, the crowd grew indignant and began to ___ for justice.